Joanie (Barr) Cook passed away on March 28, 2023, surrounded by her family and their deep love for her.
The beloved daughter of (late) Pat Sr. And Carol Barr, and loving wife to her devoted husband Chuck of 35 years.
Joanie was larger than life and she lived it to the fullest while she was here. Together Joanie and Chuck raised 3 beautiful children Mallory, Taylor, and Zackary, in their hometown of Tinicum Township. The Queen of Jansen Ave. could be found sunbathing on her deck, and snuggling the three greatest joys of her life, her grandsons Ryder, Lukas and Kai. Joanie proudly wore many titles throughout her life; wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, but none that lit her up as brightly as being “Noanie” to her baby boys. So many benefited from having her in their lives, and all of them would tell you that she embodied multiple roles within their relationship. She was a bit of a rule-breaker by nature and that seemed to carry through many aspects of her life, including the way she beautifully blurred the lines and societal norms by effortlessly weaving friendship into every relationship she invested in. Her children grew up with the gift of her as a Mother and later a best friend. The same went for many of her nieces and nephews who claimed her as the “favorite fun Aunt” and the one they could trust with all of the confidential information normally reserved for best friends. The greatest example of this could be seen within her relationship with her cousin and best friend, Michele Desiderio. The Bonnie to her Clyde, Joanie and Michele were thick as thieves from day one and stuck by one another until the very end, with Michele sitting beside her as she road off into the sunset. She was so much to so many, but in an effort to give someone a tangible explanation of her; she was the person that everyone hoped would be seated at their table at a wedding. To put it lightly, she was a really good time. Her boisterous laugh made you feel like the funniest person in the room, her ever-present smile accompanied by her green eyes made you feel appreciated and seen, and her palpable love drew you in and made you feel safe and at home. She was as loyal as they come with many of her friendships, in particular Lynn Bruton and Debbie Matthews, spanning decades.
Every moment with her felt like an event. She made the mundane memorable. A perfect day for her would start at the beach, followed by some shopping, a full set of her signature nails and just the right amount of bounce in her stunningly thick head of hair, a night of dancing to her beloved Juliano Brothers at a Jersey shore bar, and finishing with some late night snacks and a few rounds of a game to keep the momentum going before starting over the next day.
She prioritized joy. Every DJ and Band’s favorite person in the room, always being the brave first person on an empty dance-floor, inspiring those stuck in their heads to drop into their bodies and remember why they were there. She made everything that much better. You give her a house she will make it a home, tell her your heartache and she would love you back together. Much like a shooting star, she put on a show and burned bright during her time on earth, inevitably leaving all who were lucky enough to witness her life, wanting more. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but that love will keep her alive.
So until we meet again, we will be courageous and be brave, and in our hearts she will remain, forever young.
Joanie is survived by Chuck Cook, her loving husband of 35 years, her three adoring children Mallory, Taylor (Dennis), and Zack (Gabbi), her three grandsons whom she adored Ryder, Lukas, and Kai. Her loving Mother Carol Barr, siblings Kathy Szynal, Karen (Chuck) Owens, Pat Jr. (MaryJane), Stephen (Pamela), and Kevin (Melanie), Brothers-In-Law Dave and Wayne Cook, and Sister-in-Law Sandy (Herb), her best-friend and cousin Michele Desiderio (Mark), Uncle Robert (Sally) Barr, Aunt Janice Turnier, many Nieces and Nephews, dear friends Debbie Matthews and Lynn Bruton, a close-knit group of friends whom she loved, and many cousins who loved her dearly.
Preceded in death by her loving father Pat Barr, Sr., Mother and Father-in-Law Mae and Dave Cook, Sister and Brother-in-Law Diane (Suze) and Rod McMullen, Sister-in-Law Sally Cook, Uncles George and John Barr, George, Steve, Mike, and Freddy Krough, Aunts Joan Desiderio, Sally Till, Lois Harrell, Joan Evans, Joy Bryson, Bobbie Pyla and Mary Ramos, and brother-in-law Wayne Szynal.
Services will be private at Griffith Funeral Chapel in Norwood, Pa.
In Memoriam, Joanie and her family ask that everyone turn their music up a little louder, laugh a little harder, and hug someone you love a little tighter; and always stay for just one more song.
